Hotel Guide

2600 West Harmon Avenue

Location:  On the Strip

What makes it Special? Eco-friendly and casino unfriendly (ideal for non-gamblers)

Entertainment Attraction: No in-house shows & only one bar

Number of Rooms: 1,495

Overview:

Part of the CityCenter complex, the Vdara Hotel opened in 2009. Struggling during the financial crisis, the resort was forced to close the Silk Road, its only restaurant, in March 2011.

The economic recovery since then has helped the Vdara to survive, though guests who stay here are faced with the prospect of a hotel without a restaurant. That’s not quite as bad as it sounds as the Vdara does house a café serving light meals with an organic focus, and the multiple restaurants of the Vdara’s sister property, the Aria, are only a two-minute walk away.

However, heading nightly to the Aria for dinner does prompt the question: why not stay there instead? The Vdara styles itself as a place where visitors can experience Vegas differently. As such, there’s no casino, which acts as an attraction for anyone wanting to distance themselves from the gambling crowd. The Vdara also prides itself on being an eco-friendly resort: as well as the organic dishes served in the Market Café, the Vdara’s received LEED® Gold certification from the US Green Building Council.

The Vdara’s eco-friendly approach is also evident in the hotel’s massive spa, which relaxes guests using only natural products.  Connected to the spa is a state-of-the-art fitness center as well as a beauty salon. Further relaxation is provided courtesy of the sophisticated Bar Vdara, the hotel’s sole drinking establishment, though when a bar’s this beautifully designed, do you need more than one?

The hotel’s rooms are also exquisitely decorated, though their rates are far from inexpensive. In fact, given the high prices, it’s disappointing that there’s no in-house entertainment, let alone a restaurant.